25 amazing UAE staycations

Diving, desert, mountains and museums. Whatever kind of escape you’re craving, we’ve got the best summer staycation deals lined up for you

Abu DhabiTravel time: one and a half hour’s drive from Dubai

Dusit Thani Abu DhabiFree activities, Best for visitors Stay two nights in the capital and two nights at the Dusit Thani Dubai, and you’ll be able to enjoy a number of included activities. Thrown in with your stay are round trip visits to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Mirage Islamic Art centre, and a desert safari from Dubai. There’s also a free shuttle bus to and from major attractions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Book ten days in advance and you’ll get a free upgrade too. Dhs699 per room per night. Until September 30. Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi, www.dusit.com (02 698 8888).

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al BeriBest for families This resort boasts views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque plus private beaches and four swimming pools, including a special one for kids. The ‘family fun’ package offers guests a suite for two adults and up to three children, with an additional room for free. You’ll also get special in-room amenities for kids, daily buffet breakfast and a 25 percent discount at CHI, The Spa. From Dhs1,575 per room, per night. Until December 30. Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi (02 509 8888).

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Best for families The early-bird family villa package offers accommodation in a two-bedroom villa (for two adults and two children), when booked 60-90 days prior to arrival. Also included during a stay at this Ventian-inspired resort opposite Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is breakfast and dinner, plus amenities and supervised activities for children. Dhs1,500 per room per night. Until September 30. Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi City, (02 818 8888).

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Best for families, Free activities This summer, the resort is offering a feast of discounts. Opt for the early-bird package and get rooms from Dhs509 per night when you book 21 days in advance of your stay (a saving of approximately 15 percent). The family plan package will give you 50 percent off a connecting deluxe room when you book a deluxe suite (from Dhs1,575 per night). The splash or speed package includes a free day at Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World (from Dhs915 per night). Finally, if you opt for the suite, stay and play package you’ll get Dhs200 credit per day to use at the hotel’s restaurants or spa. From 509 per night. Until September 30. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com (02 656 0700).

AjmanTravel time: One hour’s drive from Dubai

Ajman Saray Best for familiesThis glamorous beachside resort offers special reduced rates on rooms during summer. Buffet breakfast and dinner for two guests is included with accommodation. There’s also free use of pool, beach and gym facilities, and families can use the kids’ club for free. Better still, children under four can eat and sleep at the resort for free.Dhs649 per room per night. Valid May 15 to September 30. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Ajman, www.ajmansaray.com (06 714 2222).

Fairmont Ajman New hotelThis brand-new resort opened at the beginning of this month. It promises panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf from each room, as well as 200 metres of beach and an Arabic nightclub. It will also be the new home of Spectrum (formerly open at Fairmont Dubai). Fairmont Ajman is offering a special opening rate, which offers a complimentary upgrade to the next available room or suite and daily breakfast for two. From Dhs525 per night. Until December 30. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Ajman, www.fairmont.com/ajman (800 257 7544).

Kempinski Hotel AjmanResidents’ rate! At 450 metres long, this resort boasts one of the region’s longest stretches of natural private beach. There are also ten food and beverage outlets, a private karaoke room, licensed bowling, an ayurvedic spa and activities from yoga to mini golf. GCC residents get this special summer rate when they produce valid proof of residency. From Dhs550 (single). Dhs565 (double). Until August 31. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Ajman, www.kempinski.com/en/ajman (06 714 5555).

Al AinTravel time: One and half hour’s drive from Dubai

City Seasons Al Ain HotelFamily friendly, Free activities This hotel, situated in Al Ain’s town centre, is offering a package aimed at families, with activities at Wadi Adventure thrown in. Book a stay in a family room, which will cater for two adults and two children (with breakfast included), and you’ll also get access for the day to this high-adrenaline waterpark where you can cool down and the kids can splash around. From Dhs599 per room per night. Until June 30. Al Muwaiji area, Al Ain, reservations@cityseasonshotels.com (03 755 0220).

Dubai and aroundAtlantis The PalmFree activities, Best for visitors This famed sunken-world-themed resort is offering exclusive summer deals available when booking with a Visa card. The price is for two adults and two children and includes accommodation, a daily buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner (in one of 15 different outlets), complimentary access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark, two for one on massages at ShuiQi Spa & Fitness and daily access to the kids club. From Dhs1,595 per night. Book before September 17. Valid for stays until September 30. Palm Jumeirah, www.atlantisthepalm.com (04 426 2000).

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Free activities, Best for visitors This glamorous desert resort on the outskirts of Dubai is holding ‘The Great Escape’ promotion for summer. This package offers accommodation, ‘lawn’ activities (such as volleyball and archery), 25 percent discount at food and beverage outlets, spa treatments, tennis programmes and safaris. You can also make use of 55 percent off car rentals and 20 percent off entry fees to Dubai attractions such as KidZania, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink and Sega Republic, making this an excellent place to reward any visitors brave enough to come and see you during the summer months. From Dhs490 per room per night. Until September 30. escape.artist@meydanhotels.com, www.meydanhotels.com/theGreatEscape (04 809 6100).

Fairmont The PalmBest for families From now until the end of the year, take advantage of a 15 percent discount on the best available room rate. Thrown in with the deal, guests will also get a buffet breakfast, a 90-minute spa treatment (as an upgrade when booking a 60-minute treatment), use of the kids club and more. From Dhs510 per room per night. Until December 29. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, www.fairmont.com/palm (04 457 3388).

Hatta Fort Hotel Book now! Located on Dubai’s border with Oman, and only an hour’s drive from central Dubai, Hatta is a peaceful mountain enclave, tucked amid the impressive Hajjar range. Go midweek and you can take advantage of this May deal at Hatta Fort Hotel, which includes accommodation in a deluxe chalet-style room for two adults, and up to two children (under six years old) and breakfast.Dhs459 per room per night. Valid weekdays only. Until May 31. www.hattaforthotel.com (04 814 5500).

Jumeirah Creekside HotelFree for kids, Free activities The hotel is offering a 20 percent discount on the best available room rate, when booking for a minimum of three nights stay. Stays at this promotional price will also include free buffet breakfast, access to Wild Wadi Waterpark or the private beach and a 20 percent discount for use at the spa and in selected restaurants. Children under 12 also stay for free. From Dhs550 per room per night. Until September 30. Garhoud, JCHinfo@jumeirah.com, www.jumeirah.com (04 230 8555).

Madinat Jumeirah Free activities This pre-summer staycation package offers guests a 20 percent discount on room rates, when booking a minimum of two nights on a half-board basis. Stays include breakfast, as well as lunch or dinner in one of more than 50 restaurants across Dubai. Plus, you’ll get free access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and the longest stretch of private beach in Dubai at two kilometres long. From Dhs1,680. Until September 30. mjreservations@jumeirah.com, www.jumeirah.com (04 366 8888).

Taj Dubai New hotel, Book now! Book now to be one of the first to stay in this newly opened hotel with a special introductory offer. This week, Taj Dubai is offering discounted rates on rooms as well as food, beverage and spa experiences.Dhs800 per room per night. Until September 30. Downtown Dubai, www.tajhotels.com (04 438 3100).

FujairahTravel time: Two hours’ drive from Dubai

Concorde Hotel FujairahUnder Dhs300 This summer deal offers a budget stay in the city centre, close to Sheikh Khalifa Mosque, Fujairah Beach and Fujairah port. The price per night also includes a buffet breakfast for two and free access to the gym, pool and jacuzzi. Dhs240 per room per night (for two). Valid May 12 to September 30. reservation@concordefujairah.com, www.concordefujairah.com (09 224 9000).

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach ResortCorporate rate Enjoy a 230-metre stretch of beach, alongside impressive views of both the Indian Ocean and the Hajjar Mountains at this resort. This summer, the hotel is also offering a deal on corporate stays until September 30, priced from Dhs399 per person for bed and breakfast. Dhs349 per person (half board). Valid weekdays only. Valid May 10 to September 30. Dibba Road, Fujairah, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com (09 244 9000).

Millennium Hotel Fujairah Under Dhs300 This hotel isn’t offering a discount on room rates over the summer months. Instead, if you book a stay, you can dine for free, with breakfast and either lunch or dinner thrown in. Dhs230 per room per night. Valid from May 30 to September 30. Haleefat Area, Hamad, Bin Abdulla Road West, Fujairah (09 2012 000).

Ras Al KhaimahTravel time: One and a half hour’s drive from Dubai

Banyan Tree Al WadiBest for nature loversOne of two luxurious Banyan Tree escapes in Ras Al Khaimah, Banyan Tree Al Wadi is located in the desert amid 500 hectares of private nature reserve. What a difference a day out of Dubai makes. The resort boasts an award-winning spa, activities such as falconry and archery, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife. Stay this summer, and you can take advantage of ‘the credit goes to you’ promotion. This offers guests free credit to be used against food and beverage, spa treatments, activities and also at the kids club. A one night stay will come with Dhs179 free credit, while a two night stay will come with Dhs499 of free credit. Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach will also be offering free credit to hotel guests during this period. From Dhs1,870 per night. Valid until September 230 (excluding July 17-25). Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaimah, www.banyantree.com (07 206 7777).

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan IslandSlashed rates! Guests can get to grips with a 650-metre private beach, five pools, a spa with a Moroccan hammam, plus seven bars and restaurants here. With prices slashed by 25 percent over the summer months, the rate per night also includes breakfast for two. From Dhs392 per night. Valid May 19 to August 23. Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, www.hilton.com/rak/en (07 206 5296).

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & SpaBest for families This is a family friendly resort with a staggering 1.5 kilometres of private beach at your disposal. There’s a kids’ club, spa, seven swimming pools and activities such as volleyball. The summer rate also includes breakfast for two. From Dhs455 per night. Valid May 19 to August 23. Al Maareedh Street, Ras Al Khaimah www.hilton.com/rak/en (07 206 5296).

Rixos Bab Al Bahr All inclusiveThis summer deal in the northern emirate dubs itself ultra-all-inclusive. During your stay, the room rate includes all food and beverage, with as many as ten eateries and five bars to choose from. Even the mini-bar is thrown in. And, in addition to the existing five pools at the resort, this month, a brand-new adults-only infinity pool and bar is due to open.From Dhs960 per room (weekdays). From Dhs1,070 per room (weekends). Valid May 11 to September 22 (excluding Eid). Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, www.babalbhar.rixos.com (07 244 4400).

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Best for golfersA deluxe resort amid the Hajjar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf, each room here is a spacious 56 square metres. If you can tear yourself away to explore outside your room, there are also ten food and beverage outlets, 350-metres of private beach, a spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Over the summer, the hotel is offering up to 25 percent off the best available room rate. The price also includes breakfast for two.From Dhs770 per night. Valid May 19 to August 23. Vienna Street, Ras Al Khaimah, www.waldorfastoria.com (07 203 5555).

SharjahTravel time: One hour’s drive from Dubai

Citymax Hotels SharjahUnder Dhs300In case you are planning a cultural weekend at Sharjah’s museums, or are looking for ultra-cheap overnight accommodation for visitors, this summer rate is hard to beat on price. Dhs125 per person per night (room only). Until September 30. www.citymaxhotels.com (+971 6 598 5000).